The Press., 1887-09-01

me to my room, and there Wlsheu ne good night. remember even that LAzzle having fallen asleep in her fathers arms, l kissed her little cheek, paled by sleep, and her dimpled little arms.
 Left alone, began to undress slowly and wandering about the room, as one always does when one sleeps in strange place. felt as if should smother in the close atmosphere of the room. Before getting in bed I wanted to inhale little of the outside air, and in spite of the roar ing storm tried to open the window. 1t was false window.
 "Well, well'' exclaimed, little sur prised.
 I thought would remove the chimney screen; it was false chimney. rushed to the door-it was locked! Fear seized me, and, holding my breath, listened. The house was quiet, all seemed to be asleep. Then I inspected the room care fully, straining my ears for the least sound. On the floor, near the bed, noticed spots; it was blOod-drted and blackened bloodl shuddered and cold sweat stood out on my forehead. Bloodl Why should there be blood thereS And l saw that 8 whole sea of blood must nave been split therefor great space around the hard wooden floor had been freshly scrubbed and scraped. All at once I cried @~~~~~-I stretched out, motionless as an overturned statue. I could not cry or call out. With trembling hands I touched the man. He did not move With trembling hands pushed the man. He did not move. With trembling hands seized the man by the feet and drew him forth-he was deadl His neck had been cleanly cut, as with one stroke of & razor, and the head held to the trunk only by slender ligament
 thought should go mad. But some thing must be done-the assassin might come at any moment. I raised the body to place it on the bed. I made false step and the lfvid head turned over, swung to and fro for moment like hideous pendulum, and then, detached from the trunk, fell on the floor with dull sound. With great difficulty intro duced the decapitated trunk between the sheets, I picked up the head and placed 1t on the pillow like that of Q sleeping man, and, having blown out the candle, l : slipped under the bed. did all this me- chanically, without thought of defense or safety; it was instinct that prompted me, not intelligence or reflection.
 My teeth chattered. My hands were wet with thick moisture. I felt as if I had gone to bed in charnel house.
 I remained there in that awful fear y do not know how long. I lost all idea of time and place. All was silent. From without the noise of the storm and the whfstling of the wind came to me softened and sad, like moanS. l could not picture to myself the assassin who was coming who was there perhaps. In that state of horror could see only little Lizzie, fair, rosy and frank, with her doll and her great hat; could see her sleeping in her fathers arms; now and then she lightly raised her eyelids and disclosed her eyes, which seemed to me to be bold, implacable, cruel, murderOus.
 The deor opened, but as softly as the scratching of 8 mouse. bit my lips till the blood came to keep from crying out. Now a man stepped in with gliding tread, with infinite precautions to avoid touching the furniture. It seemed to me as if l could see the cruel, clutching fingers glid- ing over my clothes, searching my pockets. Then the steps came nearer, seemed to graze me. I felt bhat the man was bend ing over the bed. that he struck one fierce blow. Then I knew nothing more.
 When I recovered consciousness the room had become silent again. But fright held me nailed to the spot. At length decided to escape, with what caution you may imagine. On tiptoe gained the door, which had not been closed. Not a sound, not breath. Feeling my way, passed into the hall. waited to see head thrust suddenly from9aNt the shadows, a knife gleam in the dark. But no-the brute, glutted with crime, slept without remorse. descended the stairs, drew the bolt of the door, and, half fainting, with the blood frozen in my veins, I fell into the gutter of the deserted street.
 Dr. Bertram had listened to my recital with the deepest interest.
 "And there found you, MT. Furniss, and in what statel Could you recognize the house?''
 "Yes,' replied; "but to what end2'
 ''Well, let me cure you, and then we shall go together to the house of these as- sassins.''
 Eight days later the doctor and stood in Lower Abbey street. recognized the terrible house All the blinds were drawn; in front Of the door a placard was placed, bearing the legend: "To Let.''
 inquired of the former residents from neighbor.
 They have been gone Q month and more," she replied. "It's Q great pity, for they were very nice people. ''-Trans- lated for The Argonaut from the French of Octave Mirbeau.